Comprehensive Eye Care

Low Vision

What is Low Vision?

Low Vision means being visually impaired, and it usually refers to a visual condition that cannot be corrected by conventional eyeglasses or contact lenses. A variety of disorders that affect the eye, including disorders that are age-related, can cause you to become visually impaired. Some of these disorders include: Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, and Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Is Low Vision Common?

Having Low Vision is the third most commonly occurring physical impairment in those over 65 years old, exceeded only by arthritis and heart disease. Many who are visually impaired have found help with their vision problem through Low Vision Care.

What is Low Vision Care?

Low Vision Care is the evaluation and management of those who are visually impaired. The goal is to help those with low vision to overcome the handicapping effects of visual impairment. Based on lifestyle, solutions will be sought to help each patient achieve their visual goals. This may include the recommendation of Low Vision Aids.

How much will it cost?

If you are covered by Medicare, your low vision evaluation may be covered. The Vision Aids, however, are not covered by Medicare or most other private insurance plans.

What can I expect from the Low Vision Care I receive?

Typically, Low Vison Care is an ongoing service in which eye care and rehab professionals work with the visually impaired over time to meet their visual goals. An initial Low Vision evaluation takes approximately an hour, but additional follow-up visits may be needed until all of the visual goals have been satisfied.

One thing that should be kept in mind is that Low Vision Care will not restore lost sight. Instead, this care assists the visually impaired in maximizing their remaining functional vision.

What are Low Vision Aids?

Low Vision Aids are special lens systems designed to magnify or illuminate images, improving visual acuity. Vision Aids may take the form of optical products such as magnifiers, telescopes, high-powered spectacles, absorptive filters, or electronic devices (CCTVs). In addition, there are a number of non-optical Vision Aids. These include large-print reading materials, writing guides, computer enlarging programs, and more.